NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Altima
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Nissan Altima is a midsize family sedan competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Targeting value-conscious buyers who want a practical, comfortable commuter with room for five, the Altima has been a perennial volume seller for Nissan. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, a period that includes a full-generation refresh and meaningful year-over-year shifts in the safety picture.
The 2019 Nissan Altima earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally position the Altima as a competent, comfortable choice in the midsize sedan segment, praising its composed ride and available all-wheel drive as practical differentiators. Most acknowledge it trails segment leaders in a few dynamic areas but consider it a reasonable, well-rounded option for buyers prioritizing everyday usability over outright performance.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14117
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V437000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Reported 2025-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this r
Reported 2023-09-08
TIRES21V169000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Reported 2021-03-11
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP19V316000
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly. If the lock ring is disengaged, dealers will tighten the ring to specification. If the lock ring is detached, dealers will replace the fuel pump. Both remedies will be completed free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2019-04-18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH19V235000
Risk: If the brake switch remains in the ON position, the brake lights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which may confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new brake pedal as needed, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2019-03-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP18V922000
Risk: If the retainer clip is unlocked, the fuel tube may shift and cause a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. If the fuel tube fully disconnects, the engine can stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will route the fuel hose into the holding clip and lock the retainer clip into place, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2018-12-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
221 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.